Liverpool Dominate Real Madrid to Keep Champions League Dream Alive
LIVERPOOL, England — The Anfield faithful were treated to a night of European magic as Liverpool continued their flawless start to the UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday. The result not only solidified Liverpool’s position at the top of their group but also left the reigning European champions teetering on the brink of elimination from the knockout stages.
Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo sealed the Reds’ fifth consecutive Champions League win, extending their perfect record in the competition. This victory was particularly sweet for Liverpool, as it marked their first triumph over Los Blancos in the Champions League since March 3, 2009, snapping an eight-game winless streak that included seven painful losses.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, who lifted their record 15th Champions League trophy just last season after defeating Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, now find themselves in unfamiliar territory. With three losses in five group-stage matches, they sit precariously in 24th place, clinging to the final qualification spot for February’s playoff stage. The pressure is mounting, and their next match—a daunting trip to face UEFA Europa League champions Atalanta—could determine their fate.
Penalty Drama: Mbappé and Salah Miss Big Moments
The match wasn’t without its share of drama, particularly from the penalty spot. Kylian Mbappé had a golden opportunity to level the score for Madrid when he stepped up for a penalty with Liverpool leading 1-0. However, his effort was brilliantly saved by Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, a moment that seemed to encapsulate the Frenchman’s struggles this season. Just nine minutes later, Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah had a chance to double the lead from the spot but shockingly sent his penalty wide.
For Mbappé, the miss was particularly costly. The French international, who has struggled to find his rhythm since joining Madrid, managed just two shots all game—one of which was the saved penalty—and completed only 16 of his 22 attempted passes. His performance will undoubtedly come under heavy scrutiny in the Spanish media, and with Madrid’s Champions League campaign spiraling, patience among fans is wearing thin.
Salah’s miss, while less impactful given Liverpool’s eventual win, was still a moment to forget for the Egyptian star. It comes at a time when speculation about his future at Anfield is swirling, with Salah recently admitting he feels “more out than in” as he awaits a new contract offer.
Kelleher Proves His Worth Once Again
For Liverpool, the hero of the night was undoubtedly Kelleher. The man once dubbed the “best No. 2 in the world” by Jürgen Klopp lived up to that billing with a crucial penalty save that denied Mbappé and kept Liverpool in control. Kelleher has stepped up admirably in the absence of first-choice keeper Alisson Becker, who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue for much of 2024.
While Kelleher’s long-term future at Anfield remains uncertain—especially with the impending arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia—his performances this season have cemented his status as a cult hero among Liverpool fans. Against Madrid, he made several key saves late in the game to preserve the clean sheet and ensure a famous victory for the Reds.
Bradley Shines, Alexander-Arnold Watches
Another standout for Liverpool was 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley, who delivered a stunning performance in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Bradley set the tone early with a crunching tackle on Mbappé that brought the Anfield crowd to its feet. He was rock-solid defensively and even came close to scoring, only to be denied by a world-class save from Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois.
For Alexander-Arnold, who watched from the bench amid ongoing speculation about a potential move to Madrid next summer, Bradley’s performance may have been a glimpse into the future. If Liverpool are worried about losing their star right-back, Bradley’s display suggests they have little to fear.
Bellingham Struggles Under Anfield Spotlight
It was a night to forget for Jude Bellingham, who was booed by the Anfield crowd every time he touched the ball. The 21-year-old midfielder, who had made headlines earlier in the week with comments about Liverpool and his treatment as a “scapegoat” after England’s Euro 2024 failure, struggled to make an impact against a dominant Liverpool midfield.
Deployed in a deeper role by Carlo Ancelotti, Bellingham was outshone by Liverpool’s Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, who controlled the game both physically and technically. For a player of Bellingham’s caliber, it was a disappointing performance on a night when he had the chance to silence his critics.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool remain perfect in the Champions League with five wins from five.
- Real Madrid’s struggles continue, with three losses in five group-stage matches.
- Kelleher, Bradley, and Mac Allister were standout performers for Liverpool.
- Mbappé and Bellingham face mounting pressure after underwhelming displays.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, Liverpool look like genuine contenders for European glory, while Real Madrid face an uphill battle to salvage their campaign. One thing is certain: the drama is far from over.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
